Uncle Chops Rocket Shop | PS5 Review

Publisher: Kasedo Games, Kalypso Media Digital Ltd.
Developer: Beard Envy
PS5 Review

*Disclaimer: I was sent the code for this game on PS5 in return for a review; all opinions are mine and mine alone.

We all love games where the main protagonist is a furry little creature, right? I always find it adds so much more character to them, especially seeing what kind of personality will come out of this cutely strange character, and Wilbur is no exception (very posh name) he is a fox like creature with 4 eyes, two large and 2 very small ones situated lower than the bigger ones but further back, he seems like such a silly little fella who I came to love. He lives a simple life as a mechanic, and he fixes one ship at a time. Given that I am Wilbur and I'm not very good at fixing these ships, I still found joy in this strange and humorous game.

Wilbur is forced to pay the ever-growing R.E.N.T. price Uncle Chop demands, and the only way to do this is to do his job. For those who like problem-solving, you will find this game interesting. It was a learning curve for me. I spent most of my time learning how the puzzle mechanics work, and even when I knew how to do it, another problem would arise, which in turn kept the puzzle solving interesting. I did struggle, but the visual learning helped. Players have a manual to help guide them, there is a fair bit of information to read through, and you come to find that the fun and humour is a sliver of the game.

I won't lie, it did get frustrating and sluggish, I felt like a failure as I would fail at fixing some ships and do great at fixing others, yes, instructions are available but at times an issuue would arise and it would take me a much longer time to grasp where I went wrong or what I actually needed to do. Wilbur puts in a lot of work for Uncle Chop, yet he does take the mick when it comes to R.E.N.T.; he could cut the guy a break! Wilbur is basically working for nothing if you look at the grand scheme of things. He works for Uncle Chop, and that money he makes goes straight back into his pockets. What a greedy man!

Some of the puzzles require removing fuel tanks and topping them back up, which is a simple task, but wrong. At times, you face being unable to remove the tank to refill. This is why it's important to read stuff, and re-read it, learn and remember what you need to do, so you don't have to keep flicking through that manual. I won't lie, this game made me anxious. I was so bad at it, but that is my own fault; it takes me a little while to process what I need to do. I'm not sure if it's meant to overwhelm players, to help us get faster and better at each problem thrown our way. The two game mode options are a good way in the learning process of this game, and for those who find time limits harder. One mode has a time limit, the other mode does without. The one without only gives you 3 modules a day, which still makes things harder as you need to pay your R.E.N.T.

There is an element of death, but don't worry too much, you come back! It's like an infinite loop of being stuck in time and space, kind of reminds me of not being able to escape the mundane tasks life throws at you, constantly doing more but getting very little back. If you don't make that R.E.N.T. money, you die. Don't get me wrong, the vulgar language, strange characters and Wilbur were a great combo, I even loved the fact that those who needed help with their ship had little backstories. Unfortunately, for me, games like this send me into a panic and stress. However, the rogue-like element will be the kind of grind that players who like to be pushed will enjoy.

Accessibility options are available in the game menu. I would make the most of them if you end up finding the controls awkward. I never thought to check to see if there was a way to change them until halfway through the game. Colour blind mode is also available. I know this feature can make the world of difference to those who need it. I loved the artwork, soundtrack, the fun environment and the use of Wilbur's life to help push him to his limits. You could easily put over 30 hours into the game, but even longer if you're rubbish at it like me! 

Have a cosy day

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